BMW E46 3-Series DIY: Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

Got it done! But it looks pretty bad, what do u guys think?

^
That's a scary mess.

Had been suffering burnt oil smell when stationary. Could see oil stains on the rear Ex manifold cover. Did my VCG today. Found the culprit, 2nd bolt back from rear was really loose. Decided to replace VCG anyway. All went well ... could not believe how hard the gaskets become. Had a hell of a job digging them out of the cover. Pieces kept breaking but finally got it all out. Used 3 Bond Super Sealer No.2 Red High Temp RTV Silicone on the joins as described.

BTW, my 325 is 2001 model and had the bolt-down coils with an earth strap on both #1 and #6 coils to the corresponding valve cover bolt (one of the 15).

TIP:- Stuff a small piece of rag in the spark plug holes and drape rags around when undoing coil nuts and earth strap nuts to avoid dropping them into hard to get at spots. Also three of the spark plug gaskets remained stuck to head and needed rags around as I broke these free. They split into many brittle pieces and I didn't want any to remain in the engine or down the spark plug holes.

Originally Posted by awszach

Got it done! But it looks pretty bad, what do u guys think?

Looks like you need motor flush.

damn im scared to see what mine motor looks like with 200xxx on it

Originally Posted by awszach

Got it done! But it looks pretty bad, what do u guys think?

I think the answer lies with regular oil changes. I am doing three oil changes between inspections rather than one.
That is, 12,000km (7,500mls) between each oil change rather than 24,000km (15,000mls).

INSPECTION I
Oil change ........... 12,000km
OIL CHANGE ........ 12,000km
Oil change ........... 12,000km
INSPECTION II .... 12,000km
Oil change ........... 12,000km
OIL CHANGE ........ 12,000km
Oil change ........... 12,000km
INSPECTION I ...... 12,000km
etc

Oil is cheap compared with a glugged up engine.

Originally Posted by awszach

Got it done! But it looks pretty bad, what do u guys think?

yeah duh! but i have had the car for 2 oil changes

so what do i do next?

How much does changing the valve cover gasket cost if you have it done in the dealership?

Originally Posted by Nyl777

How much does changing the valve cover gasket cost if you have it done in the dealership?

My Indy BMW mechanic here in Melbourne Australia has quoted $A254 supplied and fitted. They charge 1½ hrs for that job so $A165 labour and $A89 for the gaskets.

$A1.00 buys $US1.05 at the moment so $US267 for the job. Authorised BMW stealership would be higher again.

Hopefully it would be the same charge here in Michigan. Thank you. I will bring it into an independent BMW shop. Just would like to know anyone who have it done from the STEALership lol so that I have a comparison.

Originally Posted by Nyl777

Hopefully it would be the same charge here in Michigan. Thank you. I will bring it into an independent BMW shop. Just would like to know anyone who have it done from the STEALership lol so that I have a comparison.

Honestly, do it yourself. It's really very easy and it only takes 1.5 hours at most and that includes cleaning the inside of the cover.

Yeah, i know but i don't have the patience and time in doing it. I have found an independent BMW shop that charges USD255 for it. It includes parts and labor.

I did mine Saturday instead of going to an Independent BMW shop which I scheduled Monday. Saved me a lot of money. Aside from the entry here, I used this link from Youtube

Congrats! Was it as hard as you thought?

Originally Posted by Nyl777

I did mine Saturday instead of going to an Independent BMW shop which I scheduled Monday. Saved me a lot of money. Aside from the entry here, I used this link from Youtube

Thanks, It was really not bad. I accidentally dropped 1 washer but after knocking down the underbody shield I felt it bouncing and I was very happy. After pounding it a few times the washer fell on the floor. LOL. I also power washed the cover then clean and dry it well before putting the gasket in and putting it back because it was very messy from the leak with plastic debris sticking in it. The old gasket really turned into plastic and it no longer seal the oil inside.

I'm going to be doing this within the next week. I was wondering where is the best deal and what I all need. Here are the two sites I was looking at.

http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...et-11120030496
or

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-17...1999-2002.aspx

I think the one from fcpeuro is the best deal and it comes with a free shipping too. Some websites require you to spend $150 plus before they will ship it for free. Good luck.

Alright thanks a lot. And all i need is the kit correct?

You need an RTV silicone to seal the curve edges. Make sure you have the right tools too. Read the first part of this thread for reference. Watch the videos too.

Yup just watched some vids and stuff. And thanks a lot! Hopefully it will go as easy as it looks.